Netanyahu Sounds Alarm on Global Surge in Antisemitism at Holocaust Remembrance Day
JERUSALEM, Israel — World leaders convened in Jerusalem on January 27, 2026, to confront a disturbing resurgence of antisemitism, gathering for the Second International Conference on Combating Antisemitism held in conjunction with International Holocaust Remembrance Day. The day marks the anniversary of the 1945 liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau Nazi extermination camp, a solemn reminder of the atrocities committed during the Holocaust.
In a powerful address, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a stark warning about the growing threat posed by antisemitic ideology, which he described as an existential danger not only to the Jewish people but to Western democratic civilization itself. “They want to destroy the West as we know it,” Netanyahu declared, emphasizing that this radical ideology has permeated countries across Western Europe and the United States. “And they agree on one thing. What is the thing that they agree on? World War Jew. To conduct a world war, first against the Jews and against the Jewish state.”
The conference brought together officials and dignitaries from around the globe to address the alarming rise in antisemitic incidents, which have been documented by organizations such as the Anti-Defamation League and monitored by government bodies including the FBI’s Hate Crimes Unit. The surge has manifested in violent attacks, vandalism, and hateful rhetoric, threatening the safety and security of Jewish communities worldwide.
The event featured an opening gala on Monday, where Netanyahu underscored the urgency of international cooperation to combat this “spiritual disease of raw evil,” echoing sentiments expressed by U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee. The conference also honored individuals who have taken a stand against antisemitism, including the posthumous recognition of Charlie Kirk for his vocal opposition to antisemitic ideology.
Netanyahu’s remarks come amid heightened global tensions and a renewed focus on protecting democratic values against extremist threats. The U.S. Department of State’s annual report on international religious freedom has highlighted the increasing challenges faced by Jewish populations, reinforcing the need for vigilance and proactive measures.
As the world reflects on the horrors of the Holocaust, the gathering in Jerusalem serves as a crucial platform to reaffirm commitments to tolerance, human rights, and the prevention of hatred in all its forms. The conference’s outcomes are expected to influence policy and foster collaboration among governments and civil society to stem the tide of antisemitism and protect the legacy of those who perished during one of history’s darkest chapters.
Leave a Reply